Trouble light



Oct. 29, 19 E. J. DUPREY 3,108,752

TROUBLE LIGHT Filed Feb. 13, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Ever! J Duprey 1NVENTOR.

BY E may 3% Oct. 29, 1963 E. J. DUPREY 3,108,752

TROUBLE LIGHT Filed Feb. 15, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Evan J Duprey INVENTOR.

United States Patent 3,198,752 TRUUBLE LIGHT Evert J. Duprey, 1344 Princeton Road, Musiregon, Mich.

Filed Feb. 15, 1962, Ser. No. 173,382

1 Claim. (Cl. 240-54) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in drop cord or trouble lights particularly but by no means necessarily, for automobile mechanics and has for its primary object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a light of this type which may readily be used in close or otherwise diflicult, inaccessible places.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide an improved trouble light of the character described which the user may contact with the hands, face, etc., without being burned.

Still another important object of the invention is to provide a trouble light of the character described which is adapted to project a beam of light straight ahead, a particularly advantageous feature when working behind the instrument panels of motor vehicles.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved trouble light which embodies unique ventilating means for maximum cooling.

Other objects of the present invention are to provide an improved trouble light of the character set forth which is comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, compact, of light weight, safe, attractive in appearance and which may be manufactured at low cost.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top perspective view of an improved trouble light constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the device, showing the parts separated;

FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view;

FIGURE 4 is a view in vertical longitudinal section through the device;

FIGURE 5 is a front elevational view; and

FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view, taken substantially on the line 6-6 of FIGURE 4.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that the embodiment of the present invention which has been illustrated comprises an elongated grip-type handle 7 of rubber, Bakelite or other suitable material. The forward end portion of the handle 7 has incorporated therein a conventional socket 8. A conductor cord 9 extends longitudinally through the handle 7 from the rear end thereof and is electrically connected to the socket 8 in the usual manner. Removably mounted in the socket 8 is an elongated cylindrical electric lamp or bulb 10.

A removable guard 11 is provided for the lamp it}. The guard assembly 11 includes a shield 12 of suitable material, preferably metal, said shield being substantially semi-circular in cross-section and being spaced concentrically from the lamp 10. The shield 12 comprises a reduced rear end portion 13 having formed integrally therewith a split, resilient clamp 14 which is secured on the socket portion 8 of the handle 7. The clamp 14 includes apertured end ears 15 in which a nutted bolt 16 is mounted for closing said clamp on the socket 8.

Mounted in the shield 12 in spaced, concentric relation thereto is a metallic reflector 17 which also is of substantially semi-circular cross-section. The ends only of the reflector .17 are provided with offset cars 18 which are riveted as indicated at 19 to the shield 12 for mounting said reflector therein in spaced relation thereto. The reflector 17 has formed therein a plurality of longitudinallly spaced, circumferential ventilating slots 20. The reflector 17 is also spaced concentrically from the lamp 10 Mounted on the longitudinal edges of the shield 12 is a wire cage 21. The cage 21 extends beneath the lamp 10 in spaced, substantially concentric relation thereto. The cage 21, in the embodiment shown, comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced, substantially U-shaped wires 22 having their ends affixed to the longitudinal marginal portions of the shield '12. Mounted on the U-shaped wires 22 is a longitudinal wire 23 comprising an upwardly curved forward end portion 24.

It is thought that the use of the improved trouble light will be readily apparent from a consideration of the foregoing. Of course, the member 17 functions as a reflector in the usual manner. The reflector 17, with the ventilating slots 20 therein, also protects the shield 12 against direct heat from the lamp 10. The forward ends of the shield 12 and the reflector 17 are open, as shown, for increased ventilating efficiency. Furthermore, these straight, open forward end portions of the reflector 17 and the shield 12 permit light from the lamp ill to be projected straight ahead or forwardly. The wire cage 21 protects the otherwise exposed portion of the lamp Ill in an obvious manner. The complete assembly 11 may be expeditiously removed when necessary by simply loosening the clamp 14. However, the construction and arrangement is such that the lamp 10 may readily be removed for replacement without disturbing the guard assembly 11. This also constitutes an important and desirable feature of the invention.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

A trouble light comprising an elongated handle, an electric socket on a forward end of said handle, an elongated, incandescent cylindrical lamp mounted in the socket, a guard for said lamp, said guard including a straight, elongated, imperforate and unobstructed semicircular shield paralleling the lamp and spaced concentrically therefrom, said shield comprising a reduced rear end portion receiving the socket and including a split, resilient clamp secured therearound, a straight, elongated and unobstructed reflector of semi-circular crosssection mounted longitudinally between the lamp and the shield in spaced, concentric relation thereto for protecting said shield against heat from said lamp, said reflector comprising offset apertured ears integral with its ends and secured in the end portions of the shield for fixedly mounting said reflector therein, said reflector having circumferential ventilating slots therein at longitudinally spaced points for the circulation of heated air from the lamp through and around said reflector, and a wire cage of semi-circular cross-section mounted on the shield in spaced, concentric relation to the lamp, said cage, shield and reflector comprising open front ends for the insertion and removal of the lamp.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 943,792 Russell Dec. 21, 1909 1,829,927 Heinel Nov. 3, 1931 2,726,323 Waterman Dec. 6, 1955 

